It wasn’t long ago I was looking for work when I was fortunate enough to be in the running for two different jobs. It sure gave me a spring in my step. Then it hit me that when the time comes, which one do I go for? I haven’t even been offered one so how presumptuous am I being here! Don’t count the chicken’s scenario!!!
Well, both agencies are working hard for me and I don’t want to disappoint either one. I feel by saying no to one of them, they will not consider me for any follow-up positions! This possibly is an irrational thought but this is one of my quirks! Anyway, back to my scenario. Both jobs seem fantastic. So, I begin the process of projecting (I seem to do this in much of my decision making), doing a pros and cons list and seeing what feels right. I guess I am preparing for the looming decision.
The process I am going through doesn’t just apply to jobs but to many other things like, purchasing items, clashing functions to attend, relationships to pursue (this is the first world problem of online dating, which by the way is farcical and comical at best!) and the list goes on.
What would it feel like to work for these companies? What technologies will I be using and learning? How would I travel there, which friends can I have lunch with, what are my hours and so forth? I think I am ready but while I’m still unsure I do sometimes sway towards “first come, first served” and also have the option to decide literally on the spot when required.
As it turns out, I wasn’t successful on the first job (which I was leaning towards). Phew, one less decision to make but still a little disappointed. So much energy went into working this out and yet, the control wasn’t even mine!!
So now, will I even get the second job? Well, now I thought whatever happens, so be it. If unlucky, I’ll move on and start looking again. How exhausting! In that moment I realised this is beyond my control and I quickly learnt to let it go. Sure enough, the second job came through and long story short, it was the right one for me.
Be assured, I’ve had my fair share of disappointments with job rejection after rejection. But I say “f*#k it and move on” (not without my bitching and venting of course!).
Decisions and choices are something we make every day, some easy, some not. However, if you can differentiate between what is in your control and what isn’t, it becomes a hell of a lot easier. Now it doesn’t hurt you to be prepared but also know that spending too much energy on that thought process can limit you and cause you ‘analysis paralysis’.
Sometimes it’s worth trusting whatever choice is made by you or for you is the right one. If you think not, then I guess nothing is forever! Just look at the contracts broken every football season with players moving clubs just because they want to!